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FRAGEDY-DRAMA 



ENTITLED 



Jonathan and David 



IN FOUR ACTS. 



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A TRAGEDY-DRAMA 



ENTITLED 



Jonathan and David 

IN FOUR ACTS. 

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CONGRESS, 

Two Copifis Received 

IVIH. 5 '1902 

OnPVRlQHT ENTRY 






CAST OF CHARACTERS. 

MUEL, the prophet. Very old, long gray hair 



-:o«>Y B^ j[ and beara. 

'"■2. KING SAUL. Middle age, rather tall. 

3. DAVID. A young man, a shepherd boy. 

4. JONATHAN. A young man, the son of Saui. 

5. THE LAD. A small boy, Jonathan's aid. 

6. DOEG. Middle age, the chief of Saul's guards. 

7. JESSE. An old man, the father of David. 

8. THE WIFE OF JESSE. David's mother, old. 

9. MIGHAL. A young lady, the daughter of Saul 

and wife of David. 

10. ELIAB. The brother of David, a tall young 

man. 

11. AHIMELECH. The priest, middle age. 

12. ABIATHER. A son of Ahimelech, the priest. 

13. ACHISH. The king of Gatn, old and gray. 
„ ,. 14. JsO^^Q^ King.©! .the* :Amelekites, very old. 

: >?. iix >^>jfc|l. iThe^^li'offNer. 

16.' 'GbLfAT'H. The giant, a very large man. 
,. ^„^ a7...AyJTAH.€lF--ENDO|l^.*.A very old woman. 
'•."[ '':AlW^«fo5/i\ ]pj^erS who* tpJhie to Samuel asking for 
*a'king. Also two Elders, who oppose a king, and 
threaten the life of Saul. 

King Saul, David, King Achish each have 6 guards 

Also six lady characters appear at different times, 

names not mentioned. The dress of each character 

to correspond with the character they represent. 

Scenery to suit. 



— 3— 
ACT I— SCENE 1. 

Music by Orchestra 

(Curtain arises. Samuel seated with long gray hair 
and beard, in a stooped position. Very old. Meditat- 
ing and arises with hands uplifted, and exclaims, im- 
ploringly. - 

SAM. — Return, O, Israel! Return unto the Lord, 
and he will restore you out of the hands of the Phil- 
listines. You were smitten and fled for refuge, you 
knew not where. You shamefully submitted the ark 
of the covanant into the hands of the Phillistines, 
and for twenty long years, you lamented in tears. 
Lost to yourselves, and lost to your God; only to be 
rescued by the mighty thunders of a kind providence, 
and restored again to a home in safety. 

(Samuel sits meditating. Four elders enter west 
wing and pretend to be talking, and advance toward 
Samuel, unnoticed by Samuel. Spokesman or first 
elder speaks to Samuel.) 

ELD. — Samuel? (Samuel arises surprised, leaning 
on staff.) 

SAM.— Behold! I am here. 

ELD. — We come to speak naught of thee, Samuel. 
Thou art growing old; thou hast lived a life of right- 
eousness and good judgment. Your sons are sons of a 
kind father. Yet they have not walked in the foot- 
steps of a righteous Samuel. Truly, for gain they 
are bribed, and lack for better judgment. Therefore 
O, Samuel, we ask a king. (Samuel very much sur- 
prised.) 

SAM.— What? A king? 



ELD. — Yea, Samuel, a kmg. 

SAM. — A king, to reign over you? 

ELD. — A king, that we may receive favorable judg- 
ment. 

SAM. — (More surprised.) You, servants of a king? 
Your sons and your daughters servants of a king? 
Yea, more; the one-tenth of all your gain will he 
take to himself. The Lord is your king! Hear ye 
him? 

ELD. — Nay, Samuel. A king that we shall be like 
other nations. (Samuel raises his hand.) 

SAM. — For two hundred years we have heard the 
sound, a king! a king! What! a lawless despot to 
reign over you? (Samuel sits almost pros- 

trate.) 

ELD. — But, O, Samuel, a king to judge and fight 
our battles for us. (Samuel determined.) 

SAM. — The valiant in battle only belongeth to the 
Lord. 

ALTOGETHER— (Exclaimj A king! a king! 
(Samuel arises and oeckons silence.) 

SAM. — So be it. Go ye, every man, into his own 
city. (Elders exit east wing. Samuel sits meditat- 
ing to himself. Speaks.- They ask for a king to rule 
over them. But nay! He shall not be as other kings. 
He shall not rule as other kings. The Lord will di- 
rect. He must be humble and obedient. He must 
be righteous in all things, governing only as the Lord 
directs. For the Lord said unto me: Samuel, tomor- 
row about this time I will send thee a man out of 
the land of Benjamin; and i.nou shall anoint him to 
be captain over my people of Israel, that he may save 



my people, because their cry has come unto me. (Saul 
and servant enter east wing and approach Samuel.) 

SAUL — Tell me, I pray thee, where the Seer's 
house is? 

SAM. — (Looking up at Sauly 1 am the Seer. 
(Samuel arises.) I pray thee, go up before me unto 
the high place, for thou shalt eat with me today, and 
tomorrow I will let thee go, and will tell thee all 
about what is in thine heart. And as for the lost you 
seek for, they are found. (Samuel puts his hand on 
Saul's shoulders.) And all the desire of Israel is on 
thee and on thy father's nouse. (Saul steps back 
in surprise and exclaims.) 

SAUL — Art thou not Samuel, the prophet. (Sur- 
prised. ) 

SAM. — (Arises.) Behoid; I am Samuel! (Saul 
nervously.) 

SAUL — Let me go, I pray thee, that my father may 
know concerning me. 

SAM. — Nay! for the Lord has chosen thee to be 
king over Israel. 

SAUL — (Steps back surprised.) Am I not a Ben- 
jamite; of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? And 
my family the least of all the families of the tribe 
of Benjamin? Wherefore, then, speakest thou so to 
me? (A lady servant enters with refreshments and 
puts on table, and exit back door. (Samuel speaks 
to Saul.) 

SAM.— Behold! That which is left eat; for I have 
kept it for thee. (Two lady servants enter west wing 
and stop. Samuel speaks to Saul.) Bid the servants 
pass on before us. (Saul arises until ladies exit east 



— 6— 

wing. Saul eating./ Tlie Lord said luito me, I will 
send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin that 
he may save my people. (Saul quits eating and lis- 
tens to Samuel.) Therefore arise, taat ye may know 
concerning that which I speak. (Saul arises. Sam- 
uel anoints Saul and speaks.) I have in the name of 
the Lord, this day anointed thee, because the Lord 
has chosen thee to be captain over his inheritance. 
Therefore, whe^n thou hast departed from me this day 
thou Shalt find two men. They shall say to thee: 
Thy father sorroweth for thee. And ttou shalt meet 
three other men, and they will salute thee. And 
thou shalt come to a hill, and there ye shall behold 
the garrison of the Phillistines. and thou shalt meet. 
a company descending the hill with a pipe and a 
harp. And they shall prophesy. And the spirit of 
tne Lord will come upon thee. Go ye, therefore, that 
your father may know concerning that which you 
have seen and heard. (Samuel exits back door. Saul 
stands meditating. Speaks.) 

SAUL— What? Am I not Saul the son of Kish, the 
Benjamite? (Straightens up.) Yea, but my very 
soul within me has been lifted from darkne&s to 
light. The hand or a kind providence hath revealed 
unto me a new life. (Thinking.) Can it be possible! 
O, for a secret retreat for a time that I may return 
thanks unto Him, the ever present and all-wise Crea- 
tor. (Saul hastens to exit west wing. The four elders 
and six servants enter east wing and see Saul exit 
west wing, and exclaim. First elder speaks. All 
look surprised.) 

ELD. — What? Is Saul among the propuets? (Sam- 



— 7— 

iiel enters east wing. All turn to Samuel. Samuel 
speaks.) 

SAM.— Thus sayeth the Lord God of Israel, I 
brought you out of Egypt. I delivered you out of 
the hands of the Egyptians, and out of the hands of 
all kingdoms that oppressed you. You are here this 
day rejected by your God, who saved you from your 
adversaries, and you have said unto him, Nay! But 
set a king over us. Therefore present yourselves. 
(Looks all around. Saul is gone.) Behold! he hath 
hidden! (Saul enters west wing. All turn to Saul 
surprised. Samuel points to Saul and exclaims in 
a loud voice.) See ye him whom the Lord hath 
chosen! (All shout in one voice.) 

ELDERS — God save the king! (Four men enter 
east wing in haste with spears, threatening, and ex- 
claim — first man.) 

FIRST GUARD— Who is he that said Saul shou.^ 
reign over us? Bring the men that we may put them 
to death! (Saul steps forward and exclaims, vexed.) 

SAUL — There shall not be a man put to deaiii 
this day. for the Lord hath wrought salvation to Is- 
rael. (All shout aloud in one voice- God save the 
king! God save the king! (Saul walks to east wing 
before them. Samuel exclaims.) 

SAM. — Behold! the king walketh before you! (Saul 
exits. Samuel sits down and beckons silence, and 
speaks to the four elders that asked for a king.) 
I am old and gray, and behold, my sons are with 
you; and I have walked before you. from my child- 
hood until this day. (Arises.) Behold! I am here! 
Witness against me before the Lord, whom have I de- 



frauded, whom have I oppressed? Or of whose hand 
have I received any bribe. Blind mine eyes and I 
will restore it thee. (Samuel sits. Elders all speak 
together.) 

ELDERS — Samuel! Thou hast not defrauded us, 
nor oppressed us; neither hast thou taken aught of 
any man's hand. 

SAM. — The Lord is witness against you. 

ALL — He is witness. 

SAM. — In time of battle and affliction you said to 
me, Nay! But a king shall reign over us. Then the 
Lord, your God, was your king. Therefore, I say 
unto you, fear the Lord, and serve ye him, that ye 
may continue in His footsteps. Stand ye therefore, 
and see this great thing which the Lord will do be- 
fore your eyes. (Samuel turns facing east. Light- 
ning, thunder and. rain, and a rumbling noise loud. 
All huddle together afraid. All fall upon their knees 
before Samuel, hands raised, and exclaim in a loud 
voice.) 

ALL — O! Samuel! Pray for thy servants, that we 
die not; for we have added unto our sins, this evil 
to ask us a king. 

SAM. — Fear not, but serve the Lord with all thine 
heart. For it pleaseth the Lord to make you his 
people. (A loud shout is heard back of the east wing, 
a-far off. A servant enters and exclaims while run- 
ning.) 

SER.— (Points back.) Behold! the army of 
Nahash! (Another loud shout east. All but Samuel 
exit east wing. Saul, guards and soldiers enter west 
wing in haste.) 



— 9— 

SAUL — (Looking, exclaims) As I live, the Phil- 
listines are nearing the city. 

SAM. — How goes the battle? What hast thou 
done? 

SAUL — (Excited) The army of the Phillistines 
are already upon us. Nahash has concentrated his 
forces at Michmash. Thou comest not at the ap- 
pointed time, and my men were scattered from me. 

SAM.— (Excited) What hast thou done? What 
hast thou done? 

SAUL — As thou didst not come, I forced myself, 
therefore, to offer a burnt offering. (Nervously.) 

SAM. — Thou hast done foolish! Thou hast not 
kept the commandments of the Lord, thy God. There- 
fore, thy kingdom shall not continue. Behoid! the 
Lord hath sought him a new man after his own 
heart. And the Lord hath commanded him to be 
captain over his people, because thou hast not kept 
that which the Lord hath commanded thee. 

SAUL — But, O, Samuel! thou didst not come, and 
my people were returning to their homes. I could 
not stay them in their flight. We were lost without 
thee — lost to our God; and almost helpless before 
the mighty hosts of the Phillistines. Therefore, O, 
Samuel, spare me this one time, that I may repent 
a hasty transgression, and be honorable in thy sight. 

SAivi. — God hath chosen thee, and thou hast for- 
saken him! (Samuel exits back door in haste, and 
Saul exclaims excited:) 

SAUL— O! God! why hath thou forsaken me? (Jon- 
athan and guards enter east wing in haste and points 
back east.) 



—10— 

JON. — ThePhiilistines are upon us! (Saul looks 
east and speaks.) 

SAUL — See the chariots and horsemen! (Speaks 
quickly.) They have crowded the pass of Benjamin! 
We fly to Jordan. (Looking closely.) See them 
ascend the slope beyond! (Motioning with hand.) 
Higher! and higher! (A loud cheer from back east. 
Look again.) Hark! they are coming this way! 
(Saul turns to Jonathan. Speaks quickly.) We must 
fight our way to Gibea. (Saul, Jonathan and guards 
exit east wing in haste. Another loud cheer from 
the east.) 

(Curtain.) 



ACT I— SCENE 2. 

Curtain arises. Jonathan and servant enter west 
wing. Jonathan speaks to servant cautiously.) 

JON. — Come, let us go over to the Phillistines' gar- 
rison. (Stop looking.) Do you see the sharp rock 
over yonder? (Pointing.) 

SER. — I do. But where are the Phillistines? 

JON. — Beyond the rock, Boez, by Michmash. 
Come, let us go. 

SER. — Do as thou desireth: I am with thee. 

JON. — We will pass over near the garrison, and 
they will see us; and if they say. Tarry, until we 
come to you! then we will stand still where we are. 
But if they say, Come up to us, then we will go up! 
for the Lord hath delivered them into our hands. 
(Lie down.) This shall be a sign to us. (Pointing.) 
See! they have discovered us! (Jonathan and ser- 
vant rise quickly. A loud call east.) 



—11— 

PHILL. — Come up to us. We will chow you of a 
truth. (Jonathan and servant arises. Jonatnan 
speaks to servant.) 

JON. — Come! follow me; for the Lord hath deliv- 
ered them into the hands of Israel. (Both exit east 
wing. Saul and six guards enter west wing and stop 
quickly. A loud shout east. Saul's trumpeter blows 
"fall in" and Saul's soldiers enter west wing.) 

SAUL — Behold! Jonathan is not here! for he spy- 
eth in the camp of the enemy. (A priest and two 
servants enter west wing running. Saul catches the 
priest and exclaims:) Stay thy speed. (Saul beck- 
ons silence to soldier, and speaks, looking east.) Be- 
hold! the Phillistines! (Another loud shout far east. 
Saul explains, loud.) In the hope of Israel! On! 
quickly on! and not a man shall be left among them! 
(t?aul rushes out east wing, soldiers following shout- 
ing . ) 

SOLD. — God save the king, and Israel! (All exit 
running. A loud rumbling noise east, louder and 
louder. Samuel enters back door slowly, stops med- 
itating and exclaims, while looking east.) 

SAM. — The victory this day hath brougat a re- 
joicing in Israel. The Phillistines are beaten. The 
victory of Saul and Jonathan, may yet prove an ever- 
lasting triumph over the Phillistines. But there is 
yet a mighty war, which is inevitable. (Saul and 
guards enter east wing and approach Samuel. Guards 
line up. Samuel speaks to Saul excited.) How goes 
the battle? 

SAUL — The victory is ours, and the Phillistines 
are numbered with the dead! 



—12— 

SAM.— Yet! behold! the Amalekites! Therefore, 
go with thine army and smite Amalek, and utterly 
destroy all; and spare them not! 

SAUL — As thou sayest. It shall be done. 

SAM. — Go ye, therefore, and destroy both man and 
beast. Even Agog their king! that he shall not live! 
Go! (Saul and his guards exit east wing. Samuel 
lifts his eyes and speaks slowly.) And me Lord 
said unto Samuel, I remember that which Amalek 
did unto Israel; how he lay in secret ambush to de- 
stroy my people. Therefore didst I send baul, that 
he might make waste their habitations and subdue 
their wickedness. Perchance there may be yet a 
hope in this one more opportunity to reveal, if pos- 
sible, in Saul a true spirit of righteousness. (Ser- 
vant enters east wing, running and exclaims.) 

SER. — Saul has smitten the Amalekites and Agog 
a prisoner! (Servant exits west wing, running.) 

SAM. — (Excited.) A victory! But what do 1 hear? 
Can it be possible that he hath spared Agag? (Sam- 
uel steps to front. Cut off curtain hiding oack part 
of stage.) In my dreams there is a mighty host, and 
a cry of victory. Yet above all this there is some- 
thing which fills my very soul with grief. (Cut off 
curtain back, showing a large poster. The inscrip- 
tion on poster reads as follows: "Glory be to Saul, 
the king of Israel! He hath smitten the Amalekites! 
and behold! Agag a prisoner! God save the king!" 
Samuel turns and sees poster, and kneels before it, 
looking up, and exclaims in a loud voice, with hands 
uplifted.) 

SAM.— Oh! Lord God of hosts! Thou hast revealed 



—13— 

unto nie the expression of my fears. Thy ser- 
vant, the king, even in victory, hath this day dis- 
obeyed thy commandment, insomuch that he hath 
given uhto himself the glory. Thereby lost to Israel, 
lost to himself and lost to his God! (Samuel arises.) 
Therefore in sorrow I shall return. (Servant enters 
east wing. Samuel speaks to servant.) Where is 
Saul, the king? 

SER.— (Pointing west.) Behold! he goeth to Gil- 
gal! And servant exits west wing. Samuel follows 
slowly and very much stooped with staff. As Samuel 
is walking curtain drops slowly, but rises quickly.) 
(Return Curtain.) 



ACT 2— SCENE 3. 

(Curtain arises. Saul, his guards and soldiers 
enter back door and soldiers form a line. Samuel 
enters east wing slowly. Saul hastens to meet Sam- 
uel, and speaks to Samuel boldly.) 

SAUL — Blessed be thou of the Lord! I have per- 
formed thy commandment. (Samuel listening west.) 

SAM. — What meaneth then this bleating of sheep 
in mine ears, and the lowing of oxen which I hear? 

SAUL — This we have brought, to sacrifice unto 
the Lord! and the rest we have utterly destroyed. 

SAM. — O, king! when thou was small, wast thou 
not made the head of the tribes of Israel? And the 
Lord sent thee on a journey and said, Go, and ut- 
terly destroy the sinners of the Amalekites? Where- 
fore then, didst thou not obey the voice of the Lord, 
but didst fly upon the spoil, and didst evil in the 
sight of the Lord. 



—14— 

SAUL — Yea, Samuel! I have obeyed the voice of 
the Lord, and have gone the way which the Lord 
hath sent me. And have brought Agag, the king of 
Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. 

SAM. — Yea, but to obey is better than sacrifice. 

SAUL — (Quick to speak.) But the people took of 
the spoil which should have been utterly destroyed. 

SAM. — (Sternly.) Hast thou obeyed that which 
was commanded thee? (Saul hangs his head.) Be- 
cause thou hast rejected the word of the Lord I He 
hath also rejected thee from being king. (Saul 
speaks to Samuel imploringly.) 

SAUL — I have sinned in the sigi^t of the Lord! 
Therefore, I come to thee, O, Samuel, asking of thee, 
this one time more to have mercy. I acknowleage 
to thee this wrong. Yea! I barkened unto the voice 
of the people. But let, O, let me return! I pray thee 
pardon my transgression, that I may worship the 
Lord. (Samuel turns to go away. Saul takes hold 
of the mantle of Samuel and it rends. Samuel stops. 
Saul steps back in surprise. Samuel speaks.) 

SAM. — As thou hath rent the mantie of Samuel, 
even so the Lord hath rent the kingdom of Israel 
from thee this day, and hath given it to thy neigh- 
bor, that is better than thou. (Saul falls on his 
knees before Samuel and exclaims.) 

SAUL — Oh, Samuel! I pray thee turn again with 
me, before the elders of my people, and before Israel! 
That I may worship the Lord, thy God. (Saul arises. 
Samuel turns to go. Stops and exclaims, vexed.) 

SAM. — Bring ye hither to me, Agag, the king of 
the Amalekites! (Soldiers all line up back part of 



—IB- 
Stage. Two soldiers exit west wing and bring Agag, 
in chains. Agag exclaims, while Samuel stands fac- 
ing Agag with large cutlass.) 

AGAG — (Almost frantic.) Surely this is the bit- 
terness of death! (Stops before Samuel. Samuel 
speaks to Agag.) 

SAM. — Agag! Thou king af the Amalekites! Thine 
wickedness be upon thee! As thou livest, thou shall 
surely die! (Stage darkened. Samuel turtis to exit 
east wing, and the two soldiers following, leading 
Agag. Other soldiers march after Agag by twos. 
Saul and his guards bringing up the rear. All march 
slowly, and exit east wing. Curtain drops very slow 
as they go off stage.) 

(Curtain and Music by Orchestra.) 



ACT II— SCENE 4. 

(Curtain arises. Saul enters east wing slowly and 
stops, head drooped, meditating. But like a flash 
lifts his head and exclaims, dramatically) 

SAUL — Can it be possible I am lost and my God 
hath forsaken me? (Vexed, and speaks very loud.) 
But who is he that is better than I? vVhat rival dare 
step his foot upon the throne? O! could I! But no! 
It would be impossible. For the prophet Samuel is 
the cnosen of God. I do not dare touch him. For, 
if so, God would punish the avenger. (Dignified.) 
But nevertheless I am Saul, the king! (Pointing to 
turban.) A royal turban and a harem! My former 
associates, less in honor, shall bow at my bidding. 
(Walks back and forth unconcerned.) I shall be 
like other kings. Jse my own pleasure — right or 



—16— 

wrong. Without Samuel, and without God, I shall 
fight my own battles! (Boastingly.> I am a king, 
and a soldier! By my hand prosperity prevaileth in 
Israel. (Jonathan enter east wing in haste and 
speaks to Saul.) 

JON. — Father, why comest thou to thine house in 
Gibea? Thou hast, found favor in Israel? 

SAUL — Nay, my son. Hast it not been revealed 
to thee that victory perisheth by transgression? That 
as Agag liveth. the Lord hath chosen another to 
reign over Israel ! 

JON. — (Speaks quickly.) Is Samuel the prophet, 
hidden — that there is no hope? 

SAUL- — So be it. As Amelek was hidden to de- 
stroy Israel, so shall I lie in wait to destroy he that 
seeketh for another to reign over Israel! (Jonathan 
excited.) 

JON. — Nay, father! Let not thine hand come up- 
on Samuel! Stay thine hand, that the anger of the 
Lord shall not smite thee. Thy transgression bring- 
eth sorrow to Samuel, even unto this day, (Both 
start to exit east wing, talking as they go.) 

SAUL — Jonathan! As I live, the battle goeth on 
until every tribe of heathendom shall be swept from 
among us! (Both exit east wing. Samuel enters 
slowly west wing walking with staff, stops and 
speaks.- 

SAM. — For twenty years without a revelation from 
God did my people clamor for a king. I am growing 
old and my days are almost numbered. Yet, it hath 
been revealed unto me amidst the gloom and dark- 
ness—a star in Bethlehem! The Lord hath said unto 



—17— 

me: Samuel, go to Jesse in Bethlehem, for I have 
provided a king among his sons. (Stops thinking 
to himself and speaks.) But how can I go? If Saul 
hear it he will lie in wait to kill me. But the Lord 
hath spoken and I shall obey. (Exits east wing very 
slowly, with staff to support his tottering steps. Four 
elders, Jesse and his sons, all except David, enter 
back door and all sit. Jesse sits benind table, and 
opens a scroll of paper, pretends to be reading. The 
first elder of spokesman looks west wing and arises 
All look west. Samuel enters west wing and stops. 
Elder speaks to Jesse.) 

ELD. — Is not this Samuel? (Looking surprised. 
Jesse exclaims.) 

JESSE— 'Tis Samuel, the phophet! But comest 
thou peaceably.? 

SAM. — Yea, I have come to sacrifice unto the Lord. 
(All look surprised. Jesse speaks to Samuel.) 

JESSE — Behold! a prophet of God cometh to Jesse 
to sacrifice! 

SAM. — Yea! That thou mayest be comforted con- 
cerning that which the Lord willeth to do in thy 
sight. 

JESSE — As the Lord willeth, be ,it even so! 

SAM. — Let thy sons come before me that I may 
know which of these the Lord desireth. (Jesse go to 
Eliab, and Eliab walks before Samuel.) The Lord's 
chosen hath not appeared. (Another son walks be- 
fore Samuel.) Neither hath the Lord chosen this 
one. Seven sons walk berore Samuel and exit east 
wing.) The Lord hath not chosen any of these. Are 
these all thv children? 



—18— 

JESSE — There is one that remaineth yet — the 
youngest. But behold! he keepeth the sheep. 

SAM. — Send and bring him! We will not sit down 
until he cometh. (Jesse speaks to servant.) 

JESSE— Go quickly to David! Bid him come to 
the sacrifice, that Samuel awaiteth his coming. (Ser- 
vant exits west wing in haste.) 

SAM. — This day, O, Jesse, thou hast been blessed, 
thee and thine house. For the Lord nath said, in 
the house of Jesse he hath chosen a king to reign 
over Israel. (Servant and David enter west wing. 
David dressed in a sepherd's suit, holding a shep- 
herd's crook.) 

JESSE— (Speaks to David.) Behold! Samuel the 
prophet! 

SAM.— (To Jesse.) 'Tis he whom the Lord hath 
chosen! Therefore, thou David, the son oi Jesse, 
come before me, that I shall do the Lord's bidding. 
(David goes to Samuel and kneels. Samuel pours 
oil on Lhe head of David saying.) This day the Lord 
hath chosen the reign over my people Israel. (Sam- 
uel takes David by the arm and leads him to exit 
east wing. Pretend to be talking to him. Both exit. 
Jesse exclaims as they go out pointing.) 

JESSE— Truly, my son! The chosen of God! Jon- 
athan enters west wing in haste and speaks to Jesse) 

JON.— Is not Samuel, the prophet, here? Jesse 
pointing.) 

JESSE— Behold! he goeth with David before thee! 
(Jonathan starts to exit, but stops short and speaks 
to others.) 



—19— 

JON.— Come, that I may fjnd him! ((All exit but 
Jesse. Jesse speaks to himself.) 

JESSE — Blessed are they whom the Lord hath 
chosen! (Jesse exits back door slowly. Saul, his 
guards and soldiers enter west wing. A loud shout 
is heard east wing a-far off. All lookiT}g east. Saul 
looking closely with his hand over his eyes to shade 
them, and exclaims.) 

SAUL— Behold! tne Phillistmes: See! there 
Cometh one a giart, with a coat of mail and a helmet 
upon his head! See the armor bearer wich a shield 
before him! (Another loud shout is heard a-far off, 
to the east. The giant, Goliath appeareth east wing, 
and exclaims with a loud, coarse voice.) 

GOLIATH— Why come ye to battle? Am I not a 
Phillistine? and ye servants of Saul? (Loud) Choose 
you a man and let him come down unto me: If he 
be able to fight me and kill me, then we will be your 
servants. But, if I kill him, then ye shall be our 
servants, and serve us. Therefore, I defy the army 
of Israel this day! Louder — mad.) Give me a man! 
Your soldiers are cowards, and dare not come to bat- 
tle with a Phillistine! (Exits back east wing. David 
enters in haste west wing, in a shepherd's suit with 
a crook and a sling. Saul offers a reward to any 
man who will slay Goliath.) 

SAUL — (Excited, exclaims in a loud voice.) He 
-who slayeth yonder giant will be loaded with riches, 
and have a princess for a wife! (David steps in 
front of Saul and speaks to Saul.) 

DAVID— Thy servant will fight the Phillistine! 
(Eliab, David's brother, angry, speaks to David.) 



—20— 

ELI AB— David! Why comest thou here? With 
whom did you leave the sheep in the wilderness? 
(Eliab mad.) I Know thy pride, and the naughtiness 
of thine heart! Thou comest down to see the battle! 
(Eliab tells Saul about David thus.) O, king! David 
my brother, boasteth, concerning thy business. (Saul, 
looks around for David.) 

SAUL — Where is the lad, that I may see him? 
(David steps quickly to Saul.) 

DAVID — Behold! I am before you! (Saul looks at 
David in surprise and speaks.) 

SAUL— Thou art not able to fight the Phillistines. 
Thou art but a youth, and he is a man of experience 
in warfare. 

DAVID — The Lord hath delivered me out of the 
paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, and 
he will deliver me out of the hand of this Phillis- 
tine. (Saul speaks to David.) 

SAUL— Go! and the Lord be with thee! (Saul 
puts his armor on David. But David prefers to go 
wiiiiout. David looks at himself and speaks.) 

DAVID — I can not go with these, for I have not 
proved them. { (Looks up at Saul.) The Lord will 
be my shield and my protection. (Another very loud 
shout is heard east. Goliath appears again and ex- 
claims in a loud voice, waving his sword, threaten- 
ing.) 

GOLIATH— Am I a dog? That thou comest to me? 
(Loud.) Come, and I will give thy flesa to the fowls 
of the air, and the beasts of the field i (David steips 
front and calls to Goliath.) 

DAVID — Thou comest to me with a sword, a spear 



—21— 

and a shield. But I come to thee in the name of the 
Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel whom 
thou hast defieu. This day the Lord will 
deliver thee into mine hand! I will smite thee, and 
take thine head from thee, and will give the car- 
cases to the hosts of the Phillistines this day, unto 
the fowls of the air and the wild beasts of the earth! 
That all the earth may know that there is a God in 
Israeli (A shout east. David steps to one side and 
picks up some pebbles, puts them in pouch, pretends 
to put a stone in his sling and advances quickly and 
throws hard. Goliath staggers and falls dropping 
his sword. David advances and places one foot on 
Goliath, and takes Goliath's sword to cut off his 
head. Saul exclaims, waving his sword and exclaims 
to soldiers.) 

SAUL — Behold! the victory! (Motions soldiers to 
follow the Phillistines. All rush out east wing just 
as curtain drops.) 



ACT II— SCENE 5. 

(Curtain arises. Saul. Jonathan and Abner enter 
east wing. Saul speaks to Abner in an excited man- 
ner) 

SAUL — Abner, whose son is this youth who slayest 
the Phillistine? 

ABNER— As the Lord liveth, O king. I cannot tell! 

SALi^ — Inquire thou, whose son the strippling is. 

ABNER — Tarry thou until I return. (Abner exits 
east wing in haste.' Speaks to Jonathan.) 

SAUL — Surely, the Lord be with h.m! Abner and 
David enter east wing, David carrying the head of 



—22— 

Goliath. Saul looking surpi'ised, speaks to David.) 
Young man. whose son art thou? 

DAVID — I am the son of Jesse, .ne Bethlemite. 

JON. — Surely, thy victory cometh from God! 

DAVID — The valiani in battle belongeth to the 
Lord. 

SAUL — Come with us, unto my house, for we have 
found favor in thee. Thou art brave in battle, there- 
fore, I will make thee captain over my men of war, 
and thou shalt dwell with us. Come! (All exit east 
wing. Jesse enters back door, looks east and west 
and exclaims.) 

JESSE — David reiurneth noi to his home in Beth- 
lehem. He comeih to the king, and behold, the sheep 
needeth his care. Yei he returneth not. (Four lad- 
ies and six servants enter east wing with cymbals 
and tambourines, and look back, and one of them 
points and exclaims to others.) 

FIRST LADY— 'Tis David! Behold! He cometh 
jUi victory! (A loud shout is heard a-far off east. 
Ladies wave their instruments of music. Jesse 
speaks to the lady.) 

JESSE— What meaneth this rejoicing? (Lady 
pointing back.) 

LADY — (To Jesse.) See the mighty hosts! They 
are coming this way! (Raises her hands and ex- 
claims to others.) The victory is ours! Another loud 
shout east. David, Jonathan and soldiers enter east 
wing by twos, and exit west wing. Ladies singing 
while they are passing across the stage, ladies sing- 
ing thus: ) 

LADIES — Saul has slain his thousands, but David 



—23— 

his tens of thousands. Until all exit west wing. Ser- 
vants and ladies follow and exit last. Saul enters 
east wing in haste, vexed, and exclaims. - 

SAUL— What do I hear? They ascribe to David, 
tens of thousands, and to me, they have ascribed 
but thousands! (Mad). What can he have more 
than the kingdom? What hath he done that he is 
better than I? (Imploringly). Oh, Samuel! Call 
back thy memory to the victories of Jabesh, Gilead, 
and Michmash. Yea, more! Behold! My victory 
over the Amalekites. And after all, thou hast said, 
rejected of God! (Jonathan and servant enter east 
wing in haste. Jonathan approaches Saul quickly.) 

JON. — Father! What hath happened unto thee 
thai thou art offended, seeing David hath the victory? 

SAUL — (Mad.) Who hath gained a greater victory 
than I! (Loud). Bring him before me that I may 
know for myself! (Servant runs for David west 
wing) . 

JON. — Do him no harm! Israel hath seen thy vic- 
tories! (David enters west wing. Stops and plays 
the harp. Saul, vexed, exclaims to Jonathan, de- 
termined, in rage) . 

SAUL — Behold! He that cometh before me shall 
die! (Saul turns quickly and throws spear at 
David. All step to rear frightened, Jonathan catches 
his father by tiie arm. All confusion. Jonathan 
speaks to Saul, excited). 

Jon.— (To Saul). Stay thy hand! David hath not 
harmed thee! Thy servant hath found favor in thine 
house! Therefore, do him no harm, I pray thee! 



—24— 

(David, frightened, exits west wing in haste. Saul 
turns to Jonathan and softens his tones). 

SAUL — Jonathan! Thou art my son. To ser- 
vants) . These are my servants. If thou hast found 
favor in me, do whatsoever I ask of thee. (Confiden- 
tially.) Talk with David secretly and say to him, the 
king hath delight in thee. And the king's servants 
have aelight in thee also. Therefore David! be ye 
the king's son-inlaw! Do ye whatsoever i have com- 
manded you. (Servants exclaim in one voice). 
SERVANTS — We are thy servants, and will do what- 
soever thou sayest. (Jonathan with sympathy 
speaks to Saul) . 

JON. — Father! What evil hast thou to come upun 
David? 

SAUL — My son! that which I do, shall be knovn 
unto thee. Thou art my son! And ye, are my ser- 
vants. Therfore I say unto thee, David shall not live. 
(All step back surprised. Jonathan falls on his 
khees before Saul imploringly.) 

JON. — O, father: Thy servant David hath been 
obedient unto thee. Therefore, let not thy wrath 
come upon innocent blood. 

SAUL — Let not my hand be upon him, but let the 
hands of the Phillistines be upon him. For he that 
is better than I cannot dwell in the land of Israel! 
(Jonathan arises, puts his arms around Saul's neck.) 

JON. — Father, I am of thy house and thy son. My 
faith abideth in thee. And thou hast never forsaken 
me in my afflictions, nor hath turned aside at my 
councils. Therefore, I beg of thee. O, father, to spare 



—25— 

David, thy servant, for the sake of Jonathan, thy 
son! (Saul, with sympathy for his son, speaks.) 

SAUL — Jonathan, thou hast been obedient at all 
times, and as David hath found favor in thee, and 
inasmuch as thou hast found favor in David, for thy 
sake I will spare him, that he may return to thy 
father's house. Therefore, go, and my servants be 
with thee. (Jonathan and servants exit east wing 
Saul, meditating, speaks.) Behold! David shall 
marry my daughter. But first he shall promise to 
fight my battles for me. I will make him captain 
over my warriors, and demand of him as a dowry 
the foreskins of one hundred Phillistines. By so do- 
ing he will be forced into battle, and lose his life. 
My daughter shall be a snare to him. I therefore 
shall see David myself. (Speaks confidently.) And 
behold! my trap is set! (Speaks boastingly.) Sam- 
uel is not here and what care I? (Loud.) Who is 
my rival that I should fear him? (Exits east wing 
in haste. David enters west wing cautiously, watch- 
ing Saul exit. Looks all around and exclaims to him- 
self.) 

DAVID — Jonathan is not here! (Servants enter 
west wing. David turns to servants. Servant speaks 
to David.) 

FIRST bER.— King Saui hath a message for thee. 
He commanded his servants to tell thee that the king 
hath delight in David. And the king's servants also 
delight in thee. Therefore as thou hast found favor 
in the king's house, he refuseth not his daughter, 
Michal. that you shall be his son-in-law. (David won- 
derfully surprised, steps back and exclaims.) 



—26— 

DAVID— Wliat? That I should marry the king's 
daughter! 

FIRST SER.— (On guard.) Yea, the king hath 
said. 

DAVID — (Surprised.) That I should be the king's 
son-in-law! I am a poor man, and lightly esteemed. 

SER. — The king desireth not any dowry but a hun- 
dred foreskins of the Phillistines. to be avenged of 
the king's enemies. (David delighted.) 

DAVID — Make haste and return ye unto the king's 
house. What thou hast spoken is well. Therefore, 
tarry not by the wayside until thou hast spoken to 
the king concerning me. (Servant exits west wing 
in haste. David, excited, speaks quickly.) What 
hath brought about this revelation I hear? (Stops 
thinking and speaks.) The king's daughter! And 
I to be the king's son-in-law! What is there in me, 
that a kind providence hath so graciously extended 
this wonderful blessing? (Jonathan enters east wing 
puts his hand on David's shoulder and speaks.) 

JON.— Why tarryest thou? My father asketh to 
see thee. 

DAVID — I shall go at thy father's bidding. For 
the king's servants hath said that Saul, the king, hath 
delight in me, insomuch that he will give unto David 
his daughter, that I may become his son-in-law. 

JON — Go! that my father may find favor in thee! 

DAVID — Behold! the king's servants go before me, 
that the king may know that I come. 

JON. — So be it. And I shall return with thee also, 
that my father be not angry. (Both exit east wing. 



—27— 

Michal. the king's daughter, enters west wing and 
spealvs.) 

MICH. — My brother cometh to David. But I see 
them not. My fatner is anxious that they should 
return with me to the king's palace, for he shall 
await our coming. (Thinking.) To be the wife of 
David would be the joy of my life — the hope of my 
future happiness. To be the daughter of a king, and 
the wife of a hero would indeed be a gift which could 
only be given by an all-wise Creator. (Servant enters 
east wing, bows to Michal and speaks hastily.) 

SER. — Behold! they whom thou seeketh goeth be- 
fore me, that thou mayest come with me to the king's 
house. (Michal speaks quickly.) 

MICH. — Come, that we may meet them! (Both 
exit east wing, servants or guards enter west wing 
talking and stop.) 

FIRST SER.— (Excited, speaks quickly.) The 
king hath given unto David his daughter, that she 
shall be his wife! 

SECOND SER.— Insomuch that David hath been 
victorious in battle, it hath pleased the king to honor 
him to be his son-in-law. 

FIRST SER. — Therefore, we shall hasten that we 
be not chastised, and the king be not angry concern- 
ing us. (All exit east wing. Marriage bells are heard 
a-far east. Orchestra plays low, soft music. Saul 
and guards enter east wing by twos. March slowly, 
Saul and Jonathan following guards, and David and 
Michal following Saul and Jonathan, and six ladies 
come last, carrying each a large bunch of flowers. 
As the company march across the stage, the curtain 



begins to drop very slowly, and reach the floor just 
as the last exits west wing. Orchestra begins to 
play quick music.) 

(Return curtain.) 



(Curtain arises, Saul enters west wing in haste 
and stops short.) 

SAUL— (Speaks quickly.) Behold! he that findeth 
favor in my people shall perish by the sword of the 
Phillistines. Seeing he hath my daughter for a wife, 
she shall prove a snare to him. And whatsoever I 
shall ask of her, that will will she do. (Servant en- 
ters west wing, running, and speaks quickly to 
Saul.) 

SER. — The Phillistines are upon us, even to the 
city. (All of Saul's guards enter. Bugle sounds. 
Saul's soldiers enter west wing, looking east. A loud 
shout east, a-far off. Saul turns quickly and looks. 
David and his guard enter west wing, running. David 
speaks to Saul quickly. - 

DAVID— (Pointing.) Behold! the Phillistines! 
(A loud rumbling noise.) 

SAUL — Go ye, therefore, and smite them before 
they come upon us! (David, guards and soldiers 
shout and rush out east wing. Saul speaks to his 
guards.) Go ye and watch and tell me what thou 
seeest! (Saul, left all alone, exclaims to himself — 
mad.) My rival shall fight my battles, that he goeth 
down with the dead. (Saul exits back door quickly, 
Almost frantic, the six ladies enter west wing look- 
ing; one lady pointing and exclaims.) 

FIRST LADY— j^ee! they fly! Behold their refuge! 



—29— 

The hills! the rocks! See the hosts of David ad- 
vancing! Higher and higher! until they are lost 
from view. See! the army of the Phillistines are 
flying from their cover! Onward and upward! 
(Throws her hands up and exclaims,) The victory 
is ours! (Another loud shout, and ladies exit east 
wing, running, and waving a victory with their hand- 
kerchiefs. Jonathan and David enter back door. 
Jonathan speaks lo David confidentially.) 

JON, — baul, my father, seeketh to kill thee! There- 
fore, I pray thee x^ide thyself in a secret place until 
the morning, and the morning cometh, behold, I will 
go out in the field where thou art, and I will talk 
to my father concerning thee. Therefore, go quick- 
ly before my father returneth. (David exits quickly 
at back door, Saul enters east wing, Jonathan 
advances to Saul and speaks.- Father, let not the 
king sin aganst David! For he hath not sinned 
against thee. Because his works have been to the, 
ward very good. For he did put his life in his own 
hand and slew the Phillistines, and the Lord wrought 
a great salvation for all Israel. Thou sawest it, and 
did rejoice. Wherefore, wilt thou sin against inno- 
cent blood to slay David without a cause. 

SAUL — As the Lord liveth, David shall not be 
slain! (David enters east wing cautiously.) 

JON. — Behold! He is here, that thou may know! 
(Saul turns and speaks to David.) 

SAUL — David, thou shalt remain in the king's 
house. And Jonathan, my son, is here, that he may 
know that I have found favor in thee. Go, there- 
fore unto thy wife, my daughter, and tell her that, 



—30— 

as I live, no harm shall come of thee. (Michal, 
Saul's daughter, enters west wing. Saul goes lo meet 
her. Jonathan looks in surprise. Saul speaks.) Be, 
hold, my daughter cometh, that she may know also, 
tnat the king's nouse shall be unto her, and her's a 
royal house in the king's family! 

JON. — Father, provide ye therefore at the king's 
palace, a sitting at thy table that we may be as one 
in the king's house. 

SAUL — My son, thou hast said, and it shall be as 
thou sayest. Come! That we may sup together in 
the presence of witnesses. That my servants shall 
know also that I have found favor in thee. 

MICH. — Father, thou art good and kind, insomuch 
that David shall know for himself that he is accept- 
ed of thee. 

DAVID — O, king, if I have offended thee in thouglit 
or in deed, thou has been wrongly informed concern- 
ing my wishes, which have at all times been to thee- 
ward. Therefore, accept, I pray thee, my sincere 
thanks for the favor thou hast shown me, insomuch 
that thou hast given me a place in the king's paiace. 

SAUL — Come! That we may be a unit in the 
king's family. (All exit east wing. Servants enter 
and huddle together, looking east and stop quickly. 
First servant speaks.) 

FIRbT SER.— Behold, the signal! 

SECOND SEE.— "Tis the camp of the Phillistines! 

FIRST SER. — Is there not merriment in the king's 
house? We should hasten at once that the king may 
know concerning that which we have seen. (Two 
ladies enter east wing in haste and exclaim.) 



—SI- 
LADY — Didst thou not see yonder signal? (Point- 
ing east.) 

FIRST SER.— (Speaks quickly.) 'Tis the enemy! 
(To ail.) Stay thou here until my return! If the 
Phillistines remain where they are, come not! But 
if they come, do not tarry, but return quickly to the 
king's house. (First servant exits west running. 
All are looking east and exclaim in one voice,) 

ALL — Behold! They are coming this way! 

SECOND LADY— (Quick to speak- We should not 
tarry, lest our people be in danger! (A loud shout 
east, all looking.) "Tis David and our soldiers! 
Come, that we may welcome their return. (All exit 
east wing in haste, but return quickly, looking back, 
waving their handkerchiefs and smiling. Jonathan, 
David, guards and soldiers enter east wing. Michal 
enters west wing, smiling, and strewing flowers on 
floor before them. Saul enters back door in haste 
with a spear and throws it at David. Jonathan 
catches Saul's arm, Michal catches hold of David and 
hastens him to exit west wing out of danger. All 
ladies exit following David. Saul tries to loose him- 
self from Jonathan, but soldiers lay hold of Saul to 
help Jonathan. Saul acts like a mad man, trying to 
tear himself loose from soldiers, and exclaims wild- 
ly.) 

SAUL— As I live— he shall aie! 

JON. — Father! Do not be angry with thy servants I 
They have naught against thee! (Saul mad.) 

SAUL — He whom Samuel hath anointed as my 
rival shall die! Even to his father's house! Ye 
are my servants. Therefore I command you to spare 



—32— 

him not! (Very loud.) As the Lord liveth, I shall 

be avenged: (Soldiers force off stage, east wing.) 

(Curtain ana music by me orchestra.) 



ACT III— SCENE 6. 

(Curtain arises, Michal seated. David enters east 
wing. Michal arises quickly, and goes to meet David 
and speaks.) 

MICH, — David! My father sendeth his servants 
to kill thee! Therefore make haste and save thy- 
self this night! Or tomorrow thou shalt be slain! 
(David excited.) 

DAVID— Whither shall I go, that I be saved? 

MICH. — Go unto thy father's house in Bethlehem 
quickly, least they come upon you! (David hastens 
to exit, he and Michal, but Michal returns. Michal 
hastens to prepare an image, and puts the image 
in David's bed, and returns to seat. Servants enter 
in haste. Michal arises quickly. First servant 
speaks to Michal.) 

FIRST SER.— Saul, the king, hath sent his ser- 
vants unto the house of David, that he be delivered 
unto the king. (Michal pointing to the bed.) 

MICH. — Behold, he whom thou seekest is sick! 
Therefore I beseech thee do not approach him for 
he sleepeth. (Servants look at each other and 
speak.) 

FIRST SER. — Yea, but the king commandeth that 
we shall bring him! (Servant starts toward bed, 
but Michal steps in front of them and exclaims, de- 
termined) 

MICH.— Behold! I am the king's daughter! There- 



—33— 

fore, retrace thy steps that my father's wrath come 
not upon thee. (All stop, step back and look at each 
other in surprise, and speak again to Michal.) 

FIRST SER.— Come with us, that thy father may 
know concerning what thou say est. (Michael point- 
ing to bed.) 

MICH.— Behold. I cannot go! Let not my father 
send his servants that I may be grievea: Thou art 
servants of my father, the king. This is the house 
of David. Therefore, hasten to my father that he 
may know for himself concerning what ^ have spok- 
en unto thee. (Servants exit east wing. Michal 
walking the floor excited and nervous, and exclaims 
to herself.) If my father be angry, what shall I 
do? Oh, that Jonathan will go to my father ere he 
come! (Saul and guards eijiter east wing in haste. 
Saul very angry and speaks to Michal roughly.) 

SAUL — Why hast my daughter deceived me? Thou 
sayest to my servants that David is sick! (Saul 
steps quickly toward his daughter, threatening, and 
speaks roughly.- Tell me, therefore, where my rival 
is hidden, that I may slay him! (Michal kneels be- 
fore her father with hands uplifted, speaks implor- 
ingly.) 

MICH. — O, father! Thou knowest not the grief 
of thy daughter! Do not! I pray do not! take the 
life of David! Thou hast been kind to me all my 
life, and here I am, thy child, pleading for mercy at 
thy hand! And as thy Heavenly Father knoweth 
His children, even so. O, father, remember thy daugh- 
ter tenderly! Do not, I pray thee, let thy wrath 
come upon innocent blood! Spare them, that they 
may love and honor thee as thv children! 



—34— 

SAUL— (Loud.) Speak not thy tale of woe! (Saul 
catches his daughter and throws her from him.) For 
deception lurketh in thy very soul! Michal stands 
to one side weeping. Jonathan enters east wing run- 
ning, and rushes between guards, throwing them 
to the floor right and left, and catches Saul, his 
father, and steps in front of him and exclaims dra- 
matically to Saul) 

JON. — For shame! (Points to Michal.) Behold! 
thy daughter weepeth! (Saul bows his head. Jona- 
than leads him by the arm to exit east wing, guards 
following. All exit east wing.) 

(Return Curtain.) 



(Curtain arises. Samuel, seated at table, head 
stooped, meditating. David enters sin haste and 
speaks to Samuel.) 

DAVID— Behold, I am before thee! (Samuel lifts 
his head and arises and exclaims) 

SAM. — As I live! 'Tis Davia! I am made to re- 
joice in thee, O, David! because my people findeth 
favor in thee. How fares the king, concerning thee 
and thine? 

DAVID — Because it hath pleased the Lord that 
thou hath anointed David, Saul, the king, hath 
sought to slay me, even unto my father's house. 
The Lord hath fought my battles and hath made me 
victorious over mine enemies. Therefore the king 
is angry concerning me, insomuch that he seeketh 
my life. (Samuel surprised.) 

SAM. — Art thou not the king's son-in-law? 

DAVID — Thou sayest. But he hath chosen me, 



—35— 

that I may fight his battles for him — that J may die 
before the hosts of mine enemies! 

SAM. — What of thy wife, concerning Saul, the 
king? 

DAVID — She wills not to do the king's bidding, 
concerning me. (Samuel with interest in David.) 

SAM.— Hast thou not heard of Saul— how he hath 
been rejected of the Lord? And that he defieth 
Samuel, that he hath returned unto his own city? 
Therefore I say unto thee. David, fear not. For the 
Lord be with thee. 

DAVID — The king sweareth to be avenged, and I 
fear his people, that they come upon me. (Samuel 
speaks quickly.) 

SAM. — Come with me, therefore, unto Naioth, in 
Ramah, that the king may not find thee. (Both exit 
west wing. Two ladies enter back door, just as Saul 
enters east wing with guards. Saul speaks to ladies.) 

SAUL — Who art thou? ±^nd where is thine house? 

FIRST LADY— We are of Ramah. 

SAUL — Where may we find the prophet, Samuel, 
and David? 

FIRST LADY — (Pointing west.) Behold, they be 
at Naioth, in Ramah. 

SAUL — (To guards.) Come then, that we may 
find them. ( Saul and servants exit west wing. Ladies 
exit back door. David enters east wing in haste, 
and meets Jonathan at west wing. Jonathan speaks 
excited.) 

JON. — We were alarmed that thou hadst fallen 
into the hands of thine enemies! Was my father 
near thee? 

DAVID — (Pointing west.) Behold, tny father is 



—36— 

in Ramah, and seeketh to slay me! (Jonathan takes 
David by the hand.- 

JON. — Though it taketh my life, I will save ttiee! 

DAVID — What i.ave I done? What is my iniquity? 
And what is my sin before thy father, that he seek- 
eth my life? (Jonathan looking up, exclaims.) 

JON.— God forbid! Thou shalt not die! Behold, 
my father will do nothing, but what he will shew 
it me. And why shouldst my father hide this thing 
from me. It is not so! 

DAVID — Thy father certainly knoweth that I have 
found grace in thine eyes, and I thought not to tell 
thee, lest thou be grieved. But truly as the Lord 
liveth, there is but a step between me and dath! 

JON. — (With sympathy.) Fear not, David! For 
whatsoever thy soul desireth, I will do it for thee! 
(David excited.) 

DxWID — Behold, tomorrow is the new moon! And 
I should not fail to sit with the king at meat. But 
let me go that I may hide myself in the field until 
the evening of the third day. And if thy father at 
all miss me. say unto him that David asked leave 
of me, that he might run to Bethlehem, his city, for 
there is a yearly sacrifice there for all the family. 
And if he say it is well, thy servant shall have peace. 
But if he be very wroth, then be very sure that evil 
is determined in him. Therefore, thou should deal 
kindly with thy servant, for thou hast brought thy 
servant into a covenant of the Lord with thee. 
Nothwithstanding, if there be in me iniquity, slay 
me thyself. For why shouldst thou bring me to thy 
father? 



—37— 

JON. — Far be it from thee. For if I knew certain- 
ly that evil were determined by my father to come 
upon thee, then woiildst not I tell thee? (David 
speaks quickly.) 

DAViD— Who shall tell me? Or, if thy father ans- 
wereth thee roughiy? 

JON. — Come, ana let us go out into the fielu. (Both 
start to exit east v,^ing, but stop.) Tarry thou. (Jon- 
athan kneels, and speaks imploringly.) Oh! Lord 
God of Israel! When I have sounded my father 
about tomorrow, or any time, or the third day, and 
behoid, if there i.e no good towards David, and I 
then send not unto thee, and shew it thee, me Lord 
do so much and more to Jonathan. (.Jonathan 
arises.) But if it pleases my father to do thee evil, 
then I will shew it thee, and send thee away, that 
thou mayest go in peace. And the Lord be with 
thee, as he hath been with my father, and thou shalt 
not only while yet I live, shew me the kindness of 
the Lord that I die not. (Jonathan takes David by 
the hand') but, also, thou shalt not cut off thy kind- 
ness from my house forever. (Loud.) No! Noi: 
when the Lord hat., cut off the enemies of David 
Gvery one, from the face of the earth. (Jonathan 
takes hold of both hands of David.- Let the Lord 
ever require it at the hand of David's enemies! 

DAVID — As I live! thou shalt be remembered in 
the house of David, and in the house of mine enemies 
thou shalt receive favor concerning thee of thy good- 
ness toward me, insomuch that tnou hast saved my 
life from the hands of mine enmies. Even so may 
the Lord remember us. that we may trust in Him, 
and He is in us, as becometh His goodness. 



—38— 

JON, — Puts his arm around David's neck, and 
speaks with sympathy.) Thy life shall be my life! 
Whatsoever thou asketh at my hand, be it even so 
to thee. (Miehal enters east wing in haste. David 
meets her and takes her by the hand, and exclaims) 

DAVID — Thou art ever welcome! For thou hast 
never forsaken me! When thy father was angry, 
thou didst hide me, that I die not, and whithersoever 
I go, thou Shalt come, that I may trust in tnee. 

MICH. — Jonathan, my brother, abideth with thee 
that my father may know that we love thee, that he 
be not angry concerning his children. 

JON. — Behold, I go quickly to my facxier, that 
David be received into the king's house, and there 
shall be a sign unto David, if he be received by my 
father. 

MICH.— Go quickly! And I shall return with thee 
that our father shall not know that we be with 
David to avoid the king's house. (Miehal aad Jon- 
athan start to exit west wing. Miehal stops and 
goes back to David, and takes him by both hands 
and exclaims, sympathetically) If thou goest, I 
shall be with thee, even unto death! (Miehal turns 
weeping. David weeps also. Miehal and Jonathan 
exit east wing. David speaks to himself.) 

DAVID — If I return to my father in Bethlehem, 
behold, the king cometh to find me! And if I re- 
main where I am he is here! Therefore, if needs be, 
I shall seek refuge in th land of mine enemies. The 
Lord be with me that Israel shall know that David 
remembereth them in mercy and careth to be with 
them. The Lord will direct me, guide and protect 



—39— 

me! (Jonathan enters east wing in haste. David 
steps quickly to Jonathan.) Hast thou returned 
from thy father's house? 

JON. — Truly! x\nd tomorrow is the new moon, 
and thou shalt be missed because thy seat be empty. 
Therefore, go! And when thou hast stayed three 
days, then thou shalt go quickly, and come to the 
place where thou hidest thyself, and shall remain 
by the stone Ezel. And I will shoot three arrows 
on the side thereof, as though I shot at a mark. And 
behold, I will send a lad saying. Go, find the arrows. 
If I expressly say unto the lad. Behold, the arrows 
are on this side of thee, take them. Then come tiiou, 
for there is peace to thee, and no hurt, as the Lord 
liveth. But if I say thus unto the young man. Be- 
hold, the arrows are beyond thee, go thy way, for 
the Lord hath sent thee away, and this shall be a 
sign unto thee. And. as touching the matter which 
thou and I have spoken, behold, the Lord be Oetween 
thee and me forever. Go ye, therefore, and tarry- 
net. I will see my father, and shew thee a sign 
where thou hideth, that thou mayest know of my 
father concerning thee. (Shakes hands. David exits 
in haste east wing, Jonathan exits back door. Saul's 
guards enter west wing looking in surprise at David's 
exit. Guards group together. First guard exclaims) 

FIRST GUARD— (Pointing east) Behold! Is this 
not David? (Looking) Behold! He hastens at our 
coming. (All looking) He disappeareth in the dis- 
tance! Surely 'tis he! 

SECOND GUARD— Let us go quickly that we may 
find him! 

FIRST SER.— Come! And we will bring him unto 



—40— 

the king! (All exit east wing running. Jonathan 
enters west wing, looking east. Sees David and 
beckons him to hasten.- 

JON. — (Looks) As I live, he hath hidden! (Look- 
ing.) They find him not! They are bearing off — 
farther and farther! He is saved! (Jonathan stand- 
ing stooped farward looking, with hat in hand.) 
(Curtain and Music by Orchestra.) 



ACT III— SCENE 7. 

(Curtain arises, showing King Saul's dining room. 
The king, Abner and Jonathan seated at table. Saul 
speaks to Jonathan concerning David.) 

SAUL — Wherefore cometh not the son of Jesse 
to meat? Neither yesterday nor today? 

JON. — David earnestly asked leave of me to go to 
Bethlehem. He said. Let me go, I pray thee, for our 
family hath a sacrifice in the city, and my brother 
hath commanded me to be there. And he said unto 
me, if I have found favor in thine eyes, let me go, 
I pray thee and see my brother. Therefore, he com- 
eth not to the king's table. (Saul arises very angry 
and speaks to Jonathan roughly.) 

SAUL — Thou son of a perverse, rebellious woman! 
Do not I know thou hast chosen the son of Jesse 
to thine own confusion? (Very angry.) For as long 
as the son of Jesse liveth upon the ground, thou 
Shalt not be established, nor thy kingdom! Where- 
fore, send and bring him unto me, for he shall die! 

JON. — ^(Nervous.) Wherefore shall he be slain? 
What hath he done? (Saul throws a spear at Jon- 
athan. Jonathan arises quickly and exits east wing, 



—41— 

running. Saul's guards all enter back door. Saul 
speaks to guards loud and viciously.) 

SAUL— Go! That thou sleepest not until thou shall 
bring David before me, that I may slay him! (Ser- 
vants all step back surprised.- Ye are my servants! 
Go! Or as I live, ye shall die! (Threatening tnem 
with sword. Servants all exit east wing quickly. 
Saul, very angry, exclaims to himself, dramatically) 
Rejected of God! Despised and forsaken! (Very 
loud.) Nay! So long as there is a drop of blood in 
my veins to conquer, I swear (starts to exit east 
wing, talking as he goes off) that David shall not 
live! (Exits east wing in haste. Jonathan and a 
lad enters west wing, and stop. Jonathan speaks.) 

JON.— Behold! (Motions to lad., my lad! Run 
and find the arrows which I shoot. (Lad starts and 
stops. Jonathan shoots an arrow beyond the lad.) 
Is not the arrow beyond thee? Make speed! Haste 
and Stay not! Lad gathers up the arrows and re- 
turns to Jonathan. Jonathan hands the lad the bow 
•and arrows and exclaims) Go ye and carry them 
to the city. (Lad exits west wing, running. David 
arises from his hiding place, the rock of Ezel, and 
runs to Jonathan and they embrace each other, weep- 
ing.) Go in peace. For as much as we have sworn, 
both of us in the name of the Lord, saying, The Lord 
be between thee and me! And between my seed 
and thy seed forever. (David exits east wing, Jon- 
athan west wing. Curtain drops slowly. - 
(Return Curtain.) 



Curtain arises. Ahimeleh, the priest, and Doeg, 



—42— 

the chief of Saul's servants, seated at table, the 
priest reading in a scroll or parchment. David enters 
east wing, cautious, and speaks to the priest. Ahim- 
elech arises quickly, steps back in surprise and 
speaks to David.) 

AHIM. — Is not this David? Why art thou alone, 
and no man with thee? 

DAVID — The king hath commanded me a business 
and hath said unto me. Let no man know anything 
of the business whereabout I send thee, and I have 
appointed my servants "to such and such a place. 
(David looks at priest's hand.) Therefore, what is 
under thine hand, give me, beseech thee, five loaves 
of bread, or what thou hast in thine hand. 

AHIM. — There is no common bread under mine 
hand. This is hallowed bread. 

DAVID — The vessels of the young men are holy, 
and the bread, in a manner, common. Yea, though 
it were sanctified, this day in the vessel. 

AMIM. — I will give it thee, for thou dost hunger. 
(David looks again and speaks.) 

DAVID — And is there not under thine hand a 
spear or a sword? for I have neither brought my 
sword or my weapons with me, because the king's 
business requireth haste. (Ahimeieh favorable.) 

AHIM. — The sword of the Phillistines, whom thou 
slewest in the valley of Elah! (Pointing.) Behold, 
it is there wrapped in a cloth, behind the Ephod. 
If thou will take that, take it. (Pointing.) For there 
is no other save that here. (David speaks quickly.) 

DAVID — There is none like that! Give it me! 
(David starts to exit west wing. Ahimeieh speaks.) 

AHIM.— Where goest thou? 



—43— 

DAVID — My business, concerning the king, calls 
me hence I 

AHIM. — Art not thou the king's son-in-law? 

DAVID — Thou sayest. Therefore I shall hasten 
that the king be not angry. (David exits west wing 
in haste. Doeg speaks to Ahimelech knowingly.) 

DOEG — Dost thou not know concerning the king's 
son-in-law? That Saul, the king, seeketh to slay 
David? 

AHIM.— Nay! This cannot be! He fighteth for 
Israel! and therefore findeth favor in the king's 
house, insomuch, that the king hath given his daugh- 
ter unto David for a wife! And hath commanded 
him a business whereof David hath spoken. 

DOEG — But he cometh alone, and tarryeth not? 

AHIM. — ^For the king's business requireth haste. 

DOEG — Be ye not deceived, for the king cometh! 
Therefore David seeketh safety. 

AHIM. — (Angry.) Art not thou a servant of Saul 
the king? Art thou acquainted with the king's bus- 
iness, seeing thou art but a servant? Go, ye, there- 
fore, unto thy calling! Speak not to me of the king 
concerning David! Hasten thou, therefore, and re- 
turn, that you mayest escape the king's wrath. 
(Doeg exits east wing in haste. Ahimelech meditat- 
ing and speaks.) Doeg, the Edomite, a servant of 
Saul. Should he. therefore, speak to the king con- 
cerning David? (Startled at what he has said to 
David before Doeg. Exclaims quickly.) What if 
the king should be angry, seeing that I have had a 
favorable interview with David? (Stops thinking.) 
Is it possible that I have done for David that which 



—44— 

should be left for the king alone? Have I transgress- 
ed the law? (Ahimelech excited and nervous.) I 
shall hasten to reveal to the king that which I have 
done, ere his wratii shall come upon me! (Ahime- 
lech exits east wing in haste. King Achish and 
guards enter back door. Achish, the king of Gath. 
seated. Guards all line up. First servant or spokes- 
man, steps front, looking east and speaks.) 

FIRST GUARD— Behold, O, king! One cometh. 
bearing the SAvord of Goliath! (The king arises. All 
look.) Is not this David — mighty in battle against 
the Phillistines . 

ACH. — (Turns to guard.) Ye are beside thyself! 
Thinkest thou that David cometh into his enemies' 
country, and alone? (David enters west wing.) 

ACH.— Art thou David— before us? 

FIRST GUARD— Didst they not sing of thee, that 
Saul had slain his thousands, and David his tens of 
thousands! (David is caught, and turns around 
quickly and pretends like a mad man, hammers on 
the wall with his fist and froths at the mouth. The 
king jumps back, frightened, and exclaims to guards 
quickly.) 

ACH. — See! The man is mad! Wherefore have 
ye brought him to me? Shah this man come into 
my house? (Servants frightened, push door open 
and David exits back door. The king and servants 
watching, and the king, excited, exclaims.) Surely, 
this is not David, that he cometh as a mad man! 

FIRST GUARD— Of a truth, this is not David! For 
he beareth the sword of Goliath, which was in the 
keeping of Ahimelech, the priest. 

ACH. — Why hath Ahimelech sent this man hither 



—45— 

to the king's house. If he be a servant of the priest 
why hath he sent him to the king? (To guards.) 
Go ye therefore, and find where he hath hidden, that 
he do no harm. (Servants exit west wing in haste. 
The king starts to exit east wing, but stops short, 
and spealcs.) If this be David, why is he before his 
enemy? and alone? (Thinking of danger, speaks 
quickly.- As I live, he may spy the camp of the 
Phillistines. gain a victory and I shall lose my king- 
dom. My servants must find him or they die! (King 
exits west wing in haste, just as David enters back 
door, with Goliath's sword. David exclaims, dis- 
couraged.) 

(DAVID — Is it possible there is no place of safety? 
Am I an outlaw? that I am driven from home to seek 
refuge in the caves and rocks of the hills, even in 
my enemies' country? To return would be death; 
Oh, Jonathan! For thy words of consolation! Stay 
not from me, that I perish! (Excited, almost frantic, 
exclaims furiously.) I shall fly to the scenes of my 
childhood. I shall take refuge in the cave Aid-el-ma! 
Perhaps there may be amidst this gloom and dark- 
ness a hidden treasure to lighten my pathway. 
(Rushes off east wing in haste.) 

(Return Curtain.) 



(Curtain arises slowly, showing a cave, and David 
lying just inside of cave. David crawls out and 
stands erect, looking first east and then west. Sees 
some one coming from the west, and David crawls 
back in the cave. David's father, mother and 
brother enter west wing and stop at cave, listening. 



—46— 

Jesse, David's father, looks in cave and sees David, 
and exclaims.) 

JESSE — Is this tne house of David, my son? (Sur- 
prised. David comes forth at once and embraces his 
father and mother, weeping, and his mother ex- 
claims) 

MOTHER— David! Behold thy father and mother. 
Therefore we come to thee that thou may care for 
us as we have cared for thee, my child. 

DAVID — Mother! I am homeless, but not forsak- 
en. As thou hast cared for thy child. Thou art 
mother; and I will care for thee. (Both weep. 
David steps between his father and. mother and walks 
with them to the east wing very slowly. Jesse and 
brethren enter west wing and stand watching exit. 
The prophet, Gad, enters east wing, meets David 
and speaks.) 

GAD — David! Abide not in the hold. Depart and 
get thee in the land of Juda! For the king seeketh 
thee. (David turns and speaks to brethren.) 

DAVID — Come! That we may reason together! 
(All exit east wing. Saul enters with guard and sol- 
diers line up. Saul speaks.) 

SAUL — ^Behold! If David hath an army, hear now 
ye Benjamites! The son of Jesse will give every 
one of you fields and vlnewards and make you all 
captains of hundreds, and captains of thousands. 
(Louder, vexed.) That all of you have 'i^onspired 
against me, and none of you have shown me that 
my son Jonathan hath made a league with the son 
of Jesse, and there is none of you that is sorry for 
me, or sheweth unto me that my son hath stirred 



—47— 

up my servant against me, to lie in wait, as at this 
day. (Doeg enters west wing.) Behold, Doeg hath 
returned that he may speak. 

DOEG — Oh, king! I saw David, the son of Jesse, 
coming to Nob, to Ahimelech, the priest, and he 
inquired of tne Lord for him, and gave him victuals, 
and gave him the sword of Goliath, the Phillistine. 

SAUL — Make haste, and go ye therefore, to Ahim- 
elech the priest, the son of Ahitub, and all his fath- 
er's house; and bring them that they may answer 
before the king concerning David. (Doeg exits west 
wing, running. Saul looks around and sees the 
cave. Looks in cave and sees a camp kettle setting 
in cave. Brings kettle out and exclaims.) Is not 
this the camp of David? Whilst I abode in Rama 
he hath also fled. Behold! My servants are with 
me, and if there be treason in Ahimelech, the priest, 
as the king liveth, he shall die! (Doeg, Ahimelech 
and his servants all enter west wing, and come be- 
fore Saul. (Saul speaks determined.) Hear now, 
thou son of Ahitub! 

AHIM — (Lifts up his head and speaks) Lord, I am 
before thee! 

SAUL — Why hast thou conspired against me? 
Inou and David, the son of Jesse, in that thou hast 
given him bread, and a swora? And hast inquired 
of God for him, that he should rise against me, to 
lie in wait, as at this day? (Ahimelech answers.) 

AHIM. — And who is so faithful among all the ser- 
vants as David,v/ho is the king's son-in-law. and goe+h 
at thy bidding, and is honorable in thine house? Did 
I then begin to inquire of God for him. be it far from 



—48— 

me. (Doeg steps in front of Ahimelech and speaks) 
DOEG — (Loud.) As I live! Thou witnesseth 
falsely concerning thyself. (Ahimelech steps back 
siTirprised.) 

AHIM. — (Mad, speaks quickly) Let not the king 
impose anything unto his servant. Nor to all the 
house of my father! For thy servant knew nothing 
of all this less or more. (Saul excited exclaims.) 

SAUL — Ahimelecn! Thou shalt surely die! Thou 
and all thy father's house. (Saul turns to guards 
quickly, commanding them.) Ye are my servants! 
Therefore, slay ye the priests of the Lord, because 
their hand is also with David, and because they 
knew when he fled and did not shew it to me. (Ser- 
vants step back and refuse to move. Saul turns to 
Doeg, and exclaims, vexed.) Fall thou upon the 
priests. (Doeg draws sword to strike Ahim- 
elech; his arm is caught by Abiather. 
All is confusion. Priest and servants exit east wing 
running. Abiather, the son of Ahimelech turns and 
exits west wing, Doeg following. Saul falls in front 
of cave prostrate. Doeg enters west wing, hastens 
to Saul and kneels over him.) 

(Reiurn Curtain.) 



(Curtain arises. David, his guards and soldiers all 
present, lined up. ^-^.nother servant enters west wing 
running, and speaks to David. David jumps up ex- 
cited.) 

SER, — Behold! The Phillistines fight against 
Keliah! (Exit east wing, running.) 

DAVID — Soldiers of David and Israel! I command 
thee to fight against the Phillistines! (A soldier 
exclaims.) 



—49— 

SOLD. — Nay. we are afraid! Behold, here is Juda. 
How much more than if we come to Keliah against 
the army of the Fhillistines. 

DAVID— Fear not! The Lord will deliver the 
Phillistines into our hands. Go ye, therefore, and 
the Lord be with us. (David, guard and soldiers 
exit in haste east wing. Saul enters back door. 
Guards enter east west wing and run to Saul, and 
exclaim, excited. Doeg exclaims to Saul) 

DOEG — Behold! (Pointing east.) David fighteth 
at Keliah! 

SAUL — Even shouid he be victorious, God nath 
delivered him into mine hand! For he is shut in 
by entering a city that hath gates and bars. Blow 
ye, that the soldiers may know concerning that 
which thou hast spoken. (The trumpet sounds a 
call to arms. Soldiers enter west wing, full force. 
Saul exclaims, while going to exit.) The Lord hath 
delivered him into mine hand! (All exit east wing 
shouting.) 

ALL — ^God save the king! (David's guards enter 
west wing. David enters back door, stops to listen 
and exclaims with hands uplifted imploringly.) 

DAVID— O, Lord God of Israel! Thy servant 
David hath heard that Saul seeketh to destroy the 
city of Keliah. For my sake, will the men of Keliah 
deliver me up into his hands? O, Lord God of Israel, 
I beseech thee, tell thy servant concerning Saul, the 
king. (A loud shout is heard east wing. David 
arises quickly and exclaims) Hark! 'Tis the enemy! 
Hasten, therefore, that we may not fall before 
them. (All exit east wing. Jonathan enters back 



—50— 

door cautiously, looking east and west and speaks.) 

JON. — Is David not here? My father cometh to 
Keliah to seek for David, out behold, he hath de- 
parted. (One of David's servants enters east wing.) 
Whose servant art thou? (Servant looking fright- 
ened, exclaims.) 

SER. — Art thou the son of Saul, the king? 

JON. — I am Jonathan, the king's son. 

SER.— Then thou art a friend of David! 

JON. — Yea, a friend. But whose servant art thou? 

SER. — Art thou truly Jonathan, the son of Saul? 

JON.— Why doubtest thou? If thou art the son 
of David, speak ye therefore, that I may find him! 

SER. — (Nervous.) Truly, if thou art Jonathan, 
fhe son of Saul, the king, I be safe! But if — 

JON. — I know now, of a truth, that thou art of 
David ! Because thou sayest, if I be Jonathan, thou 
art safe. Therefore, tell me, I pray thee, concern- 
ing David. (Servant speaks.) 

SER. — ^Come! And I will show thee of a vruth 
where he hideth. David findeth that Saul, the king, 
cometh to Keliah; and behold, (Pointing) he hath 
hidden in a mountain of Ziph. Come, and I will shew 
thee. (Both exit east wing.) 



ACT IV— SCENE 8. 

(Curtain arises, showing the camp of David. All 
soldiers and David sleeping, but one sentinel. Jon- 
athan enters west wing and stops short. Sentinel 
exclaims aloud.) 

SENT.— Halt! Who art thou? i nat thou com- 
eth without a countersign. 



—51— 

JON. — I am Jonathan, the son of Saul, the king. 

SER. — Hast thou come, that we may fall into the 
hands of the king? (Sentinel vexeci.) Go! or I will 
thrust thee, unto death! (Draws dagger on Jon- 
athan. Jonathan steps back, surprised, and ex- 
claims) 

JON. — Stay thine hand, for thy sake and for 
David! (Servant stops.) If David be here, say unto 
him that Jonathan seeketh to find him. (Sentinel 
goes to David, who is sleeping, lying down. Senti- 
nel speaks to David. David arises quickly. Sentinel 
pointing, speaks.) 

SEN.— Behold! He that seeketh thee! 

DAVID — 'Tis he! (David and Jonathan embrace 
each other. David exclaims, taking Jonathan by the 
hand.) 

DAVID — Jonatnan! Thou art ever my friend and 
brother. As the gentle raindrops lifteth the droop- 
ing flower! Even so, thou comest as a mighty 
fountain of life, and light, to soothe my weary wait- 
ing. (David weeps, with his head on Jonathan's 
shoulders.) 

JON. — David, though far from thee, my very soul 
is with thee. Thou knowest that I love thee, even 
as my own life, and have come to thee, that my 
father's wrath come not upon thee! 

DAVID — Doth thy father know where 1 am hid- 
den? 

JON. — He seeketh- thee. And, behold, the Ziphites 
favoreth my father. Therefore, beware, lest they 
come upon thee. 

DAVID — (Imploringly) O, Jonathan, is there no 
hope? 

JON. — Fear not! For the hand of Saul, my father, 



—52— 

shall not find thee. And that Saul, my father, know- 
eth therefore, as the Lord llveth, I shall be in thee! 
and thee in me! Come thou, therefore, that I may 
see thee to thyself. (David and Jonathan exits 
slowly east wing. Soldiers still sleeping. Sentinel 
sits on stool and goes to sleep with his head against 
the wall. Stage darkened. Ziphites enter cautious- 
ly west wing and stop, pretend to be whispering to 
each other. Leader beckons silence, and speaks 
to others in a low tone.) 

LEADER— Behold, this is the camp of David! 
(Beckons silence.) Let us hasten, that we may tell 
the king where David, his enemy hideth. (All exit 
east wing, just as sentinel av/akens. Sentinel springs 
to his feet and exclaims very loud, dramatcially.. 

SEN. — Behold, the enemy! (Soldiers all arise 
quickly. All look east. David and Jonatnan enter 
back door in haste. Jonathan speaks quickly, excit- 
ed.) 

JON. — The Ziphites have discovered the camp of 
David! And behold, they seek Saul that he and his 
army may come upon us unawares. Therefore, de- 
lay not, but seek ye refuge in the mountains and 
rocks. For, behold, the Ziphites seeketh Saul at 
Gibea. Hasten therefore thy retreat. (Bugle call 
Soldiers line up and exit by twos east wing. Jona- 
than and DSlV (dl stop until soldiers pass out. Jon- 
athan speaks to David.) David, I shall go from 
thee, that I detain my father that he come not unto 
thee until thou hidest thyself. 

DAVID — Do not, Lpray thee, depart from me! 

JON. — I go, that thou livest. For my father seek- 



—53— 

eth to slay thee. Therefore I will intercede in thy 
behalf. For, as I live, my soul is with thee. 

DAVID — Jonathan, if thou depart, speak thou ten- 
derly to the wife of David concerning me, that she 
be comforted until I come! 

JON. — So be it! And if I perish not before the 
hand of the Phihistines, I will come to thee whither- 
soever thou goest. 

DAVID — Remember me to thy father in mercy; 
that his wrath may not come upon me! That I may 
receive favor in the king's house, so long as he liv- 
eth. 

JON. — I am with my father for thy sake. Fear not, 
he shall do thee no harm. (Jonathan takes David 
by the hand tenderly.) Abide ye therefore in the 
hope concerning that which I have spoken unto 
thee. For thy sake, I shall hasten to my father. 
Fear not. (Jonathan and David embrace each other. 
David, weeping, exclaims.) 

DAVID — Jonathan, do not leave me so lonely! 
But return that I may thank thee for thy goodness 
and tender mercy which thou hast bestowed upon 
me. (Jonathan starts to exit, weeping. David look- 
ing, exclaims) Return, O. Jonathan, return, that I 
die not! David falls on one knee on the floor, covers 
his face with both hands and weeps. Jonatiian exits 
as curtain drops slowly.) 

(Return Curtain.) 



(Curtain arises, showing the camp of King Saul. 
Guards and soldiers are sitting on the floor in groups 
A number of Ziphites enter in haste. Leader of 
Ziphites speaks to Saul to one side, conndential.) 



—54— 

ZEPH. — Doth not David hide himse.f in strong- 
hold in the woods, in the hill of Hachilah? Which is 
on the south of Jesnimon? Now therefore. O, king, 
come down according to all the desire of thy soul, 
come down! And our part shall be to deliver him in- 
the king's hand, loaul surprised, speaks to Ziphite 
aloud, and excited.) 

SAUL — Blessed be ye of the Lord! Fory^have 
compassion on me. Go, I pray you and prepare ye! 
And know, and see his place where his haunt is! 
And who hath seen him there? 

ZIPH. — Behold! We have seen the camp of David. 
Therefore, we know for ourselves where he hideth. 

SAUL — Go ye, again, and return quickly; that thou 
mayest know of a certainty! And when thou return- 
est we will go with thee. (Ziphites exit east wi;ig 
in haste. Doeg enters west wing running, and speaks 
to Saul.) 

DOEG — Haste thee, and come quickly! For the 
Phillistines have invaded the land. (Saul speaks 
to soldiers.) 

SAUL — Come! That we may stay the Phillis- 
tines. (Bugle call. Soldiers form and march quick- 
ly to west exit. Jonathan enters back door in haste 
and speaks to himself.) 

JON. — As I live, David is safe! Blessed are they 
who endureth to the end! For as the mountain hid- 
eth his presence, even so his enemies shall be hid- 
den from the presence of God. (Saul, guards and 
soldiers enter east wing. Saul sees Jonathan and 
exclaims) 

SAUL — Jonathan, my son, why tarriest thou, see- 
ing that thy father looketh for thee? 



—55— 

JON. — Behold! I have visited the king's house. 
For thy daughter sorroweth for David that he come 
not! 

SAUL — (Vexed) My son, thou shall not speak of 
David concerning the king's daughter! Furthermore 
he shall not live that my daughter shall abide with 
him! (Saul starts to exit wesi wing and stops shore, 
and speaks to Jonathan boastingly.) Come with me, 
my son. If thou confidest in David, thou shalt see 
for thyself what a king doeth. (Both start to exit 
east wing. Ziphites enter east wing, and salute Saul. 
All stop. Ziphice speaks to Saul.) 

ZIPH. — To a certainty, David hideth himself again 
in the wilderness of Ziph. Come ye, therefore, quick- 

ly.- 

SAUL — Remain ye with us until tomorrow, at 
nignt, and we will go with thee. (Saul, motioning, 
exclaims.) Behold, three thousand warriors. They 
should rest, that they faint not. (Bugle sounds 
lights out. Stage darkened. All lie down to sleep. 
All quiet. One of David's spies enter east wing cau- 
tiously. Looks around, and exits back east. David 
enters east wing cautiously and motions east and 
Abishia enters with David. Saul asleep with spear 
sticking in floor oack of his head. Abishai speaks 
to David.) 

ABISH. — God hath delivered thme enemy into 
thine hand this day. (Excited, draws back to strike 
Saul with spear.) Now, therefore, let me smite 
him, I pray thee with this spear to the earth at 
once, and I will never smite him the second time! 
(Spear uplifted, determined. David grabs his arm 
to prevent the blow, and exclaims.) 

LofC. 



—56— 

DAVID — Strike him not! For who can stretch 
forth his hand against the Lord's anointed, and be 
guiltless? As the Lord liveth, the Lord shall smite 
him. Or his day shall come to die; or he shall de- 
scend into battle and perish. The Lord forbid 
that I should stretch forth mine hand against the 
Lord's anointed! But I pray thee take thou now the 
spear that is at his bolster, and let us go. (David 
took the spear and departed east wing and called 
back.) Ye people of the king, answerest thou not! 
(Abner awakens, arises up and exclaims to David.) 

ABNER— Who art thou, that calleth to the king? 

DAVID — Art not tnou a valiant man? And who is 
like thee in Israel '. Wherefore hast thou not kept 
thy Lord, the king? For there came one of the peo- 
ple in to destroy the king, thy Lord. (Tauntingly.) 
This thing is not good, that thou hast done. As the 
Lord liveth, ye are worthy to die! And now see 
where the king's spear is? (Saul arises quickly, 
looks, and exclaims.) 

SAUL — Is this thy voice? My son David? 

D,A.VID — It is my voice, my Lord. O, king! Why 
doth my Lord thus pursue after his servant? For 
what have I done? Or whot evil is in mine hand? 
Now, therefore, I pray thee, let the Lord, my king, 
hear the words of his servant, David. If the Lord 
hath stirred thee up against me, let him except an 
offering. But if they be the children of men, cursed 
be they before the Lord. For they have driven me 
out this day from abiding in the inheritance of the 
Lord, saying, Go, serve other Gods. 

SAUL — (Meekly.) i have sinned. Return, return! 



—57— 

my son David! For I will no more do thee harm. 
Because my soul was precious in thine eyes this day! 
Behold! I have played the fool, and have erred ex- 
ceedingly! 

DAVID — Behold! The kings spear! and let one 
of the young men come over and get it! The Lord 
render to every man his righteousness. For the 
Lord delivered thee in my hand today. But I would 
not stretch forth mine hand against the Lord's 
anointed. And behold, as thy life was much set by 
this day in mine eyes, so let my liie be much get 
by in the eyes of the Lord, and lert. him deliver me 
out of all tribulation! 

SAUL — Blessed be thou, my son David. Thou 
Shalt do great things, and also shalt still prevail. 
(Sound of a trumpet heard out west wing. All turn 
to look. Servant enters in haste, pointing back.) 

SER. — Behold! The Phillistines have gathered 
their army together for warfare, to fight against 
Israel! (Saul goes to west wing and looks; comes 
back nervous and excited, trembling with fear. Ex- 
claims to servant.) 

SAUL — Seek me a woman that hath a familiar 
spirit! A witch! That i may inquire of her! (Ser- 
vant pointing.) 

SER. — Behold! There is a woman that hath a 
familiar spirit at Endor! 

SAUL — Depart ye, therefore, and go to the foun- 
tain Jezreel, that I may council as seemeth best for 
your good. (Saul raises his hand and motions to 
guards and then to soldiers, to exit east wing. Sol- 
diers form and march to exit. Saul remains alone 



—58— 

and speaks to himself.) The Lord hath not answer- 
ed concerning me; neither in dreams hath he ans- 
wered my prayer. Samuel liveth no more! Yet, the 
witch of Endor findeth council with the dead! There- 
fore. I shall hasten! But no! She well knoweth 
that the king hath destroyed all the witches save 
her. I would not dare go as King Saul, for fear she 
would not meet me. Therefore I shall disguise my- 
self and appear as another. Saul exits east wing. 
Cut-off curtain drawn across the stage. The witch 
of Endor enters back door and sits behind the cur- 
tain. Saul enters west wing, looks around and cur- 
tain is drawn back, exposing the witch seated back 
part of stage. Saul sees her and exclaims.) Art 
thou the witch of Endor? 

WITCH— I., sir am the witch of Endor! (Hoarse 
voice.) 

SAUL — I pray thee, divine unto me by the familiar 
spirit and bring me him up, whom I shall name unto 
thee! 

■ WITCH— Behold! Thou knowest what Saul hath 
done! How he hath cut off those that have familiar 
spirits, and the wizards out of the land. Wherefore, 
thou layest thou a snare for my life to cause me to 
die. 

SAUL — As the Lord liveth. there shall be no pun-, 
ishment happen to thee for this thing! 

WITCH— Turn from me. that thou seest not that 
which I do. (Saul turns his back toward the witch) 
Whom shall I bring unto thee? 

SAUL — Bring me up Samuel! (Witch motions 
with her hands down, then up, two or three times 



—59— 

and SamTiel comes up through trap dooi. and the 
witch screams with all her might, frightened.) Be 
not afraid! For what sawest thou? 

WITCH — I saw Gods ascending out of the earth! 

SAUL — WOiat form is he of? 

WITCH — An old man cometh up. and he is cover- 
ed with a mantle. Saul looks around and sees Sam- 
uel, and falls on his knees with hands uplifted to 
Samuel.) 

SAM. — (In a loud voice, very slow.) Why hast 
thou disquieted me, to bring me up? (Saul fright- 
ened, exclaims, j 

SAUL — I am sore distressed. For the Phillistines 
make war against me. and God is departe^. from me, 
and answereth me no more, by prophets nor by 
dreams. Tlierefore, I have called thee, that thou 
mayest make known unto me what I shall do. 

SAM. — ^^lierefore then dost thou ask of me. see- 
ing the Lord hath departed from thee, and is become 
thine enemy? And the Lord hath done to you, as he 
spake to me! For the Lord hath rent the kingdom 
out of thy hand, and given it to thy neighbor, even 
to David, because thou obeyest not the Lord, nor 
extended his fierce wrath upon Amalek. Therefore 
hath the Lord done this thing unto thee this day. 
Moreover, the Lord will also deliver Israel with thee, 
into tiie hands of the Phillistines! And tomorrow 
Shalt thou and thy sons be with me! (Saul falls 
over backward on the floor, and lies as dead, through 
fear. Witch kneels before Samuel, holding her hands 
lip . ) 

(Curtain and Music by Orcnestra.) 



—GO- 
ACT IV— SCENE 9. 

(Curtain arises. King Achish and Princes of Phil- 
llstines talking. Soldiers pass by twos before Ashisb 
and princes. David and his guards ana soldiers also 
pass before them. The Princes exclaims to Achish.) 

PRINCES— (Pointing.) Behold: What do the 
Hebrews here? 

ACH. — Is not this David, the son of SauL the king 
of Israel, which ham been with me these many days? 
And I have found no fault in him. even unto this 
day! 

PRINCES — (Angry and speaks quickly.) Make 
this fellow return! That he may go again to his 
place wnich thou uast appointed unto him, and let 
him not go down with us to battle, that he be an ad- 
versary to us! For wherewith should Le reconcile 
himself to his master? Should it not be with tlie 
heads of these men? (Pointing.) Is not David, 
of whom they sang to one another, saying: Saul 
slew his thousands, ana David his tens of thousands? 
(Achish takes David to one side and speaks to him 
confidentially.) 

ACH. — David! Surely as the Lord liveth, thou 
hast been good in my sight, for I have not found 
evil in thee since the day of thy coming. Neverthe- 
less, the Lords favor thee notl Wherefore, now re- 
turn, and go in peace, that thou displeaseth not the 
Princes of the Phillistines. (David, surprised, 
speaks.) 

DAVID — But what nave I done, or what hast thou 
found in thy servant, so long as I have been with 
thee? 



—61— 

ACH. — I know thou art good in my sight, as an 
angel of God! Notwithstanding, the Princes of the 
Phillistines have sai^. ye shall not go up with us to 
battle! So, go ye therefore, with thy master's ser- 
vants that hath come with thee. (David exits east 
wing, guards and soldiers following. A loud rumb- 
ling noise to the east. Achish springs to look, and 
exclaims, wildly.) Hark! (Looking.) Behold, the 
enemy! (And another loud rumbling east. Bugle 
sounds the call, fall in. Achish and guards exit east, 
soldiers following. David and guards enter west 
wing, cautiously, looking east. David points, and 
exclaims to guards.) 

DAVID— The Phillistines have smitten Ziklag! 
(Pointing.) Behold, the flames! (To guards loud 
and excited.) The city is on fire! (Louder, almost 
frantic, exclaims.) Our people shall perish if we 
come not.' (Another very loud rumbling noise east. 
Bugle call and a shout east, and another shout west. 
David and guards exit east wing, running. Saul. 
Jonathan and soldiers enter west wing, shouting as 
they come, with swords and spears. Phillistines en- 
ter east wing at the same time, and a regular sword 
battle follows. The Israelites are beaten back west 
and aii exit west wing, fighting. Saul, Jonathan and 
and armor bearer all lie dead on the stage. Samuel's 
spirit arises with uplifted hands over Saul, and 
David rushes on stage at the same time and kneels 
over Jonathan's dead body. David weeping. Cur- 
tain drops slowly. Tableau light as curtain falls, 
during the last part of this scene. Soft music in 
tremlo variations by orchestra.; 
(Curtain.) 

HOWARD WATERS, 

Stockwell, Ind. 



JUN 



1902 



ILUPY DLL. lOLAT.DiV. 
JUN. 5 ^902 

,902 



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